A tornado moved through Ottawa, Kansas, on the evening of April 14, 2026, raising concerns about the safety of residents and the extent of the damage. Fortunately, while the storm caused significant structural damage and widespread power outages, no injuries have been reported.
The tornado warning was issued around 7:25 p.m. as the storm tracked west to east through Franklin County. By 7:09 p.m., reports indicated that 3,834 residents were without power, leaving large portions of the city in darkness.
According to the Ottawa Police Department, the most severe damage occurred between 15th and 19th streets. Areas such as the Knights Inn at 17th and Main experienced catastrophic damage, with the roof being torn off and the second floor heavily affected. “At the Knights Inn, the roof was torn off, and the second floor of that two-story building is heavily damaged,” reported Brad Howard.
Other notable damages included the T-Mobile store, which had the front of the building ripped off, and a Daylight Donuts location that lost its roof. Damage assessments revealed downed trees and significant wall and roof damage to a local hotel, further illustrating the tornado’s destructive path.
As the storm progressed, the local radio station KOFO lost power around 7:30 p.m. and has been off the air since. Residents were urged to stay off the roads and avoid any downed power lines, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with the aftermath of the tornado.
While the immediate impact of the tornado has been assessed, the full extent of the damage is still being evaluated. Authorities are working diligently to restore power and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for repairs and recovery efforts.
